Snacks and sports to be available on popular seafront

WATCH: Portsmouth gets £6m boost each year from tourism, says MP

BUSINESSES are to be given the opportunity to set up seasonal stands along the seafront at Lee-on-the-Solent and Stokes Bay.

Gosport Borough Council says it has been approached by businesses wanting to operate seasonal trading along the town’s seafront.

As a result, two sites have been identified which could be used to sell healthy snacks and offer the hiring of watersports equipment including canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and windsurfing.

Councillor Graham Burgess, who represents Lee East, said: ‘I completely welcome the idea to have seafront concessions along here. The locations are down by the sea and by the beach where there is plenty of space and parking so I can’t see it being a problem.

‘It is a leisure area and we have got the splash park down there so I think it will be really good.’

Currently, the only seasonal trading permitted along the Stokes Bay and Lee-on-the-Solent seafront is for ice cream.

The council says the proposed hours of trading will not cause a disturbance for people living nearby, but contractual provisions will be made to penalise anyone infringing the rules.

The opportunities for operating on the sites will be advertised for a three-year lease.

The council says it will impose conditions to ensure all necessary insurance, health, and safety requirements are in place.

No permanent structures will be allowed and trade will only be permitted between April 1 and October 31 during the hours of 10am to 7pm.

In a report put before the council, chief executive Ian Lycett, said: ‘Providing hire opportunities will appeal to both residents and visitors alike, benefitting the tourism economy and complementing the existing range of sailing opportunities.

‘The proposal at Lee-on-the-Solent will bring into use a redundant area of land on the seafront, with the potential to improve its appearance and enhance the experience of seafront users.

‘The proposal at Stokes Bay will complement existing sailing activities and add to the borough’s appeal for visitors and residents alike.

‘Both proposals will contribute to the council’s priorities for tourism, health, and wellbeing.’